About Us Groovin' Gourmets is the catering division of Trolley Hospitality Companies , a Richmond-based hospitality group serving the greater Richmond and Hampton Roads regions. We specialize in delivering fresh, chef-crafted meals and seamless service for corporate functions, weddings, and social events of all sizes. Our commitment to quality extends beyond the food—we believe our success starts with our people. Driven by a shared purpose of delivering happiness to our customers, community, and team, we focus on fostering a supportive and positive workplace where everyone's contributions are valued. Our Values - The Trolley Way No excuses Do the right thing Can-do attitude Always growing Help first-be a part of the solution Transparency and honesty-no BS Please visit our website at www.trolleyhouseva.com to learn more! About You You're a confident, strategic leader with a knack for building systems and solving complex problems. You balance big-picture thinking with day-to-day execution. You're just as comfortable reviewing a profit & loss statement as you are jumping in to manage a high-profile event. You're constantly seeking better ways to do things and take initiative to make change happen. You're people-first but results-driven—you motivate teams while holding them accountable. You inspire through action, model accountability, and value open, transparent communication. You are able to deliver direct feedback with clarity and compassion. You are comfortable navigating ambiguity and owning mistakes. You thrive in fast-paced, high-volume environments and lead with a team-first mindset. You're energized by collaboration and love working across departments. You have no problem rolling up your sleeves and getting things done. The Director of Catering Operations plays a critical role in driving the success of our catering division. In this role, you'll oversee daily operations, lead and mentor a team across multiple departments and locations, and work closely with the Executive Team to meet strategic and financial goals. You'll ensure every event we execute—from intimate dinners to major galas—reflects our commitment to excellence, efficiency, and unforgettable guest experiences. How You'll Make An Impact Operations Ensure teams have the resources they need to execute events seamlessly Optimize processes to improve efficiency and effectiveness Oversee procurement, inventory, and equipment purchasing Coordinate with culinary and sales teams on menu development Oversee visual cohesion of events, ensuring they align with theme Ensure events and design aspects are visually cohesive and align with the intended theme and overall design vision Manage external vendor relationships and venue onboarding Ensure compliance with legal and regulatory requirements Stay ahead of industry trends and incorporate best practices Financial Oversight Track and analyze operational budgets and financial performance Prepare sales projections and manage departmental budgets Review P&Ls to identify opportunities for profitability Front-of-House Ensure proper staffing and management of high-profile events Act as Manager on Duty and/or Event Manager when needed Maintain high customer satisfaction by solving issues in real time Identify marketing opportunities and communicate needs People Management & Leadership Hire, train, and develop a diverse team Conduct performance reviews and hold quarterly check-ins Provide regular coaching, actionable feedback, and career development support to foster both individual growth and overall team effectiveness Facilitate team and leadership meetings focused on coordination and shared problem-solving Foster open communication and cross-departmental alignment Empower team members to lead, take initiative, and grow in their roles Manage staff certifications, onboarding, and development Engage teams across two regions by promoting collaboration, consistency, and a sense of shared purpose What You Bring To The Table Bachelor's degree in hospitality or related field a big plus, but not required 5+ years of experience in catering or hospitality operations a must Strong business and financial acumen Excellent leadership and people management skills Proven ability to manage logistics, vendors, and large-scale operations Comfort working at the executive level and presenting strategic ideas Ability to travel regularly between Richmond and Hampton Roads (50%+) Experience with data analysis, performance metrics, and Microsoft Office Familiarity with business software and catering platforms (TPP a plus!) General understanding of design principles The Good Stuff! Competitive salary Paid holidays and PTO Medical, dental, and vision insurance available 401(k) with company match after one year Company paid Life Insurance and Short-Term Disability Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Free staff lunch every weekday Employee discounts across all Trolley House Hospitality brands Ready to lead, innovate, and grow with one of Virginia's top catering companies? Apply today and help us deliver happiness through exceptional experiences! Seniority level Director Employment type Full-time Job function Management and Manufacturing Industries Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at Trolley Hospitality Companies by 2x Get notified about new Director of Catering jobs in Henrico, VA .

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